Durable press finishing of cotton fabrics with polyamino carboxylic acids

In this study, a polyamino carboxylic acid was synthesized by reaction of a commercial polyvinylamine and bromoacetic acid. The reaction product was used for crosslinking of cotton fabric by a pad-dry-cure process. Crosslinking of the finished cotton occurred via the formation of ester bonds between the carboxylic groups of the polyamino carboxylic acid and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. Ester bonds were confirmed by appearance of the corresponding absorbance at 1730 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum of the finished cotton. The created durable press effect on the finished cotton with polyamino carboxylic acid was evaluated by measuring the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA). Impact of this finishing agent on the physical properties of the cotton was studied by evaluating the tensile strength and whiteness index, and softness of the finished cotton. The easy care effect was durable against laundering. Softness, whiteness, and tensile strength of the finished cotton have not changed significantly.